Overview & Reviews
When the Chrysler Crossfire concept was first introduced at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, there was genuine interest and excitement from both the motoring press and the public. Here was the first tantalizing fruit of the DaimlerChrysler merger that would combine German engineering and American style. A production model was announced, and the first Crossfires started to appear a few years later.
Available as a two-seat coupe or roadster, the Chrysler Crossfire was largely based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK. Its exterior design always turned heads, but the aged platform and unimpressive driving dynamics were major drawbacks. The Crossfire's steering response in particular was lackluster due to the use of the previous SLK's old-school recirculating-ball steering. Additionally, the vehicle's ride quality often seemed harsh, particularly on the high-performance SRT-6 version.
The Crossfire's slow sales could also be attributed to an interior that didn't look as rich as the car's exterior styling would suggest. There was also the cramped Crossfire's utter lack of utility. It's still an attractive vehicle to behold, but the Crossfire was simply outclassed by other vehicles in terms of luxury, brand cachet and performance.
Most Recent Chrysler Crossfire
The Chrysler Crossfire was available only in coupe form when it debuted in 2004, with a convertible model arriving the next year. The standard engine throughout the model cycle was a Mercedes-sourced 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 215 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The transmission choice was between a standard six-speed manual and an optional five-speed automatic. The short-lived 2005-'06 Crossfire SRT-6 model boasted a sport-tuned suspension and a fire-breathing, supercharged 330-hp engine that came only with a five-speed automatic.
Leather upholstery was standard in 2004, when only one well-equipped trim level was offered, but starting in 2005 the Crossfire was offered in base and Limited trims, and the base car came with cloth upholstery and a limited roster of standard equipment. The Limited livened things up with power leather seats, an Infinity stereo and more sound insulation. In addition to its engine and suspension upgrades, the SRT-6 models added 18-inch wheels up front and 19-inchers out back and Napa Pearl leather seats with Alcantara suede inserts with enhanced bolstering. Unique to the base Roadster was an optional Special Edition package (2006 and '07 model years) that included Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat exterior paint, Dark Slate Gray cloth seats, SRT-6–style cast-aluminum wheels, a black windshield surround and satin silver door handles and side louvers. Otherwise, nothing much changed until 2008, when the base trim was dropped.
In reviews, our editors praised the Chrysler Crossfire's daringly distinctive looks, and the SRT-6 was loved for its blistering straight-line performance. However, the outdated steering system was unpleasant and the ride was stiff — unacceptably so in the SRT-6. Acceleration from the base 215-hp V6 was adequate but uninspiring. Overall, the Crossfire was an interesting styling exercise, but its driving character left much to be desired.
User Reviews:
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awesome but lacks power - 2007 Chrysler Crossfire
By jacob - April 30 - 10:33 pmI bought the base model to get the 6 speed manual because I was told it wasnt available on the srt model so I bought this and priced adding a stock supercharger and its around $11,000 they definitely could have pushed more horsepower out of that six just look at Hondas S2000 4 cylinders no turbo or supercharger and pushes more power, less weight, cheaper price, and a quicker 0-60, and last it also handles better. Crossfire does have much nicer interior and convertible top is all automatic.
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Love It - 2008 Chrysler Crossfire
By Zoom - April 24 - 3:38 pmLove the design, very comfortable for a two seater. Loads of trunk space (for a 2 seater). Can easily get two golf bags and weekends worth of gear in it. Not a drag racer but has plenty of giddy-up. Reasonable cost after good discount. If you love it, keep it since the resale value is almost nothing.
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Love this eyecatcher - 2006 Chrysler Crossfire
By Michele - April 24 - 3:37 pmThis car is fun to drive and absolutely beautiful to look at. I feel like a million bucks behind the wheel.
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Fun,and more Fun! - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By joa32649 - April 20 - 3:40 amFun car to drive it feels like you are on rails glued to the road. Tires 18 inch in front and 19 in rear plus traction control and stability control a big plus. Cant wait to try it out in the mountains in West Virgina! The only complaint is the controls and the way they are laid out they could have done a better job! It is a head turner and if you like attention this is the car for you,every time I take it out it draws a crowd. Most people think it is a German or Japanese car. I love the car take one for a test drive and you will want one! Fun,Fun!
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Rare and beautiful - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By Kenneth Hausmann - April 16 - 2:51 pmI have had 56 cars, and this is my favorite. Beautiful, very luxurious, faster than a Mustang, great buy at 22k with 26k miles. Gas mileage is good for this kind of performance. Great stereo, comfortable seats. handles flawlessly, quiet with the top up. This is a rare car, for every one of these there are literally 1,100 1965 and 1966 Mustangs. I have never seen another one on the road. I think these will probably become valuable later on.
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SRT is a sleeper - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By Garr - April 11 - 9:44 pmCrossfire SRT - Awesome. Just change the pulley right in front, increase the air flow a bit, hook it up to a laptop to change a few parameters and youll be pushing 390 horses and 200 mph in a flash. And the car will handle like its doing 50 mph. Thats 4.8, 0 -60. Low 13s in the quarter. So for around $1,500.00 for software mods, parts and labor youre running in a class with Porsche, Maserratti and Aston martins and youre looking better than the Porsche. Thats not a bad deal.
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Just awesome - 2004 Chrysler Crossfire
By ugetcaughtupinthe - April 10 - 4:56 pmI love this car. I have tons of fun driving it on the highway, but the real rush is on country back roads. The car hugs the road. I drive hard and fast, and I almost never hear the tires (especially over the more than ample stereo). The wing that comes up at around 60 mph lets me know that I might want to back off the accelerator, but I usually dont. Its interior is small, but I mean come on look at the car. The controls are difficult to figure out, but easy to use, and there is a cup holder hidden in the center console. The vehicle isnt that bad in the snow and ice either (it has a winter mode, but dont try busting through snow drifts). Overall, its a steal for any true 2 seater.
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Crossfire Crazy - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By Taylor - April 6 - 7:27 amHandles great. Easy to open doors. We were able to purchase an extended warranty that was relatively inexpensive. When we drive this it is an eye-catcher. It is different from the other cars in the school parking lot. Just what we wanted.
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Answer to My 2nd Midlife Crisis - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By Jane Suozzi - April 3 - 12:28 pmI love this car. I hunted the car down through my local dealer in late Fall, received the car in early winter and had the top down the first night. I love that it is 80% Mercedes. It has been VERY reliable. Every day, someone comments about the car...at the bank...in a parking lot...every where. This car is a hoot! Im 51 years old and have had a MGB convertible, Corvair convertible (as a teenager), and an Eclipse. This car has them all beat! A total escape! Best of all, its royal blue - the best color the car was made in. Im thrilled, as well, that they will not be made anymore. I consider it a collectors item.
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fun fun fun - 2005 Chrysler Crossfire
By pedals down - March 30 - 12:27 pmCar has been a blast to drive, get compliments all the time. And for what you pay for these now there is no comparison. Great car!
